When assessing a newborn's heart rate, what is the appropriate action for the nurse?

Auscultating the apical pulse for at least one minute is essential when assessing a newborn's heart rate to ensure an accurate measurement. Newborns often have irregular heart rates, which can fluctuate with activity, sleep, and even feeding. By taking the measurement for a full minute, the nurse can capture any variations and achieve a more reliable reading of the heart rate.

This thorough approach is particularly crucial because newborns typically have higher heart rates than older children and adults, ranging from about 120 to 160 beats per minute. Shorter assessments, such as 30 seconds, may not capture transient fluctuations or irregularities that could be significant in a newborn's cardiovascular status. Therefore, the one-minute duration provides a more comprehensive understanding of the newborn's heart rate dynamics, which is vital for identifying any potential issues early on.